Cargo Freight flown into Mizoram from Silchar Airport after allegations of 'economic blockade'

Due to the ongoing border dispute between Assam and Mizoram which has resulted in the death of 6 police officials and one civilian from Assam, several organisations have called for an economic blockade for Mizoram to protest the gruesome violence. Mizoram is facing trouble to get in essential supplies through the NH 306, as the route has been allegedly blocked by protestors of Assam. To bypass that issue, landlocked Mizoram has airlifted around 3.7 tons of freight from Silchar airport to Mizoram, on Monday.

According to sources, a SpiceXpress (cargo division of SpiceJet) flight landed at Silchar airport at 08:15 am on Monday and departed for Aizawl at 10:00 am. The flight arrived from Kolkata and returned to the airport after the delivery of the whole consignment. The sources closed to development have informed that the flight carried goods from both Kolkata and Silchar airport and delivered it to Mizoram. However, it is not clear what material was flown into Mizoram. It is noteworthy to mention here that Mizoram has put allegations against its Assam counterpart of supporting the economic blockades, called by different civil organizations against the state. However, officials in Barak valley, time and again maintained that the blockade had been lifted and no group was now out on the streets trying to stop truckers or other vehicles.

After a violent clash on July 26 between Assam and Mizoram police forces at Lailapur area on a disputed border forest tract, various groups in the Barak Valley had announced a blockade of Mizoram, drawing sharp protests from the neighbouring state. Mizoram is now getting its supplies delivered through another longer route, which passes through Tripura. Both sides have also filed cases against each other under the charge of encroachment, among other offences.